Church Mania: Milan Edition: Duomo di Milan

Just stunning. The exterior was just uncovered after a four year renovation and cleaning. Duomo di Milan is built with amazing pinkish white marble that gleams in the sunlight.  The interior is grand with soaring ceilings, but unfortunately no good photos due to the lack of light.

Medieval Lyon

Lyon has some beautiful outskirts, including this beautiful medieval village sitting atop a hill about a half hour outside of town. It is known for its sweet breed flavoured with orange liquor... quite tasty.  The stonework is amazing and had lasted more than 500 years.  All but deserted in the winter, it is quite a cool little destination with great views of the countryside.

Bouchons

The traditional Lyonnaise restaurant, called a bouchon, gives you a great view of the old world with the unchanged atmosphere, close personal service, and cuisine where you can find more tripe and stinky cheese than you can shake a stick at. But of course the portions at this one below would probably be a bit on the small side...

Church Mania: France Edition: Lyon

Some photos of churches and a basilica in Lyon...

 

Restaurant capital of the world

Next stop on our rail tour through France and Italy is Lyon, France (home to the most restaurants per square foot than any other city in the world). Lucky for us we have some very nice friends hosting us who happen to be restaurateurs and know the best spots for eats and vino in this food capital.

 

Back on the road (rails)

Back on the road after a little rest, a lot of wine, and even more food.  With some Euro-Rail tickets in our pockets we jumped on a quick flight to Paris where we have been spending a few days.  This part of the journey will be via train that will take us through the French and Italian countrysides all the way down to Palermo, Sicily with most of our time being spent in some beautiful old world cities as well as some sleepy little villages.  But for now some uber-touristy sites...